Coffee with a Cop event brings the public closer to authorities

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – On Wednesday, October 6, 2021, the Cedar Rapids Police Department will hold Coffee with a Cop.

The event will take place at Dash Coffee, 120 3rd Ave SW in Cedar Rapids, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

This informal gathering is open to any people of the community who want to talk about community issues, create relationships, and grab a coffee. Coffee with a Cop gives community members a unique opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the department’s operations in Cedar Rapids neighborhoods.

The majority of law enforcement’s interactions with people occur during emergencies or highly emotional circumstances. Those aren’t usually the best times for creating relationships with the community, and some residents may believe that officers are unapproachable on the street.

Coffee with a Cop eliminates barriers and allows for a calm, one-on-one conversation.

Coffee with a Cop is a national effort backed by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services of the United States Department of Justice. Local police departments across the country are holding similar gatherings in an effort to build long-term relationships with the communities they serve.

One cup of coffee at a time, the program aims to advance the practice of community policing through building relationships between police officers and community people.